Junior Mining Speculations

For over eight years, Thom Calandra has written the StockWatch column for CBSMarketWatch.com. More recently, he launched
a financial newsletter,The Calandra Report. In
addition to his general market expertise, Calandra is an authority on the metals
sector, with a particular affinity for more speculative
plays.

"Miners are raking the world's most
unlikely places for the next precious metals strike. Copper, nickel, and other
metals are in the mix, too. Ivanhoe Mines (CA:IVN Toronto), which is
putting its Oyu Tolgoi Mongolia copper-gold deposit on a fast track to
development, is also actively seeking new mines across China. Ivanhoe Mines, and
its sister company, Ivanhoe Energy (IVAN
NASDAQ) are fast
becoming standards for miners that wish to operate in faraway places, such as
China. The Canadian company owns, operates or is tenderly exploring
promising metals veins in Bulgaria, Inner Mongolia, South Africa and South
America. Speculation is that a Chilean company will become a deep-pockets
partner with Ivanhoe Mines in its Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold deposit, which is
rapidly becoming one of the world's largest copper (and gold) finds ever."

"Meanwhile, subscribers to The Calandra Report ask me where
to locate promising junior exploration companies that are performing ground-breaking geological
work. I can report several trends that look promising. One is in
Bulgaria, where several companies, including Ivanhoe Mines, are exploring. Bulgaria gold explorer
Gabriel Resources (GBRRF pink sheets) is a likely takeover target for an
expanding Canadian gold producer. In Mongolia, QGX Ltd. (CA:QGX
Vancouver) gets the credit for
being among the first to stake potential copper and gold deposits
in that promising and newly democratic country. About 18 months ago, Ivanhoe acquired
all of QGX's exploration statistics; QGX still gets some participation in the project.
Another Mongolian exploration company is Entrée Gold (CA:ETG Vancouver),
whose soaring shares are still worth less than $20 million Canadian. Finally,
for those looking for something a little more rock solid, try on shares of
Major Drilling Group (CA:MDD.U Toronto), whose quarterly sales are
approaching $40 million. The Canadian company sells drill equipment and services
to miners around the world."